Hydrometeorological hazards in an arid valley: A geopedological approach

Abstract

The article presents a geopedological analysis of the intramontane valley of Zonda, Argentina, so that it can be applied in territorial ordering studies. The results indicate that the risks arise from three main basins: two local basins (piedmont coalescent alluvial fans and Río Seco de la Ciénaga) and a regional one (Río San Juan), each one with its own characteristics. The most significant hazards correspond to mudslide and flood processes originating at the borders of the valley when the maximum summer flows of the San Juan river are surpassed. The results were presented in maps showing topographical units and associated hydrometeorological hazards. Human settlements are increasing in the valley next to the piedmont and they are mainly exposed to annual and summer mudslides.